Review of leakage detection in water distribution networks

Abstract

The conservation of water is, justifiably, a huge concern to water companies, regulatory bodies, environmentalist and more but, unfortunately, water loss through leakage can remain undetected for long periods of time without effective leakage detection. Leakage detection in water distribution networks has taken many forms through investigating varying properties of leakage. Understanding the characteristic leakage types and properties introduces the different emerging technologies. Even though some methodologies have gained popularity in the past decade, the need to establish a complete, economical leakage detection solution that effectively identifies background leakage as well as burst events persists. The benefits and limitations of the aforementioned technologies has often confused water utilities on adapting the most suitable method. Therefore, there is an arising need to classify and benchmark leakage detection practices. This paper reviews technologies in leakage detection contrasting hardware & software, intrusive & non-intrusive, steady state & transient, single & hybrid methods. A particular focus will be placed on scoping the projected direction of leakage detection and localisation. As anticipated, the various techniques refined over the last two decades introduce different capabilities, conditions, and constraints[1]. Assessing and comparing those methods will provide a deeper novel understanding of the research area thus paving the way for novel solutions.